2017 OFC Champions League

The Dwellers opened their campaign with a 5-2 win over Vanuatu’s Malampa Revivors last Saturday.

The second match on Wednesday this week against defending champions Auckland City was a toughly fought encounter, with the Dwellers eventually succumbing 2-0.

Their last pool C match today saw them go down 5-3 to Western United from the Solomon Islands.

The final standings:

Auckland City (9), Western United (6), Lae City Dwellers (3), Malampa Revivors (0).

Goals to Western United in the 17^th, 21^st and 37^th minute of the first half had the Solomon Islands champions looking comfortable with a 3-0 lead.

The Dwellers managed to narrow the deficit just before the half-time break in the 44^th minute when Raymond Gunemba cut past Anthony Talo and fired the ball into the goal. 

Ken Kepe put the Dwellers right back in the contest in the 60^th minute scoring to trail by just one goal with the score at 3-2.

Auckland City dominated possession in the first half throwing everything they had at the Dwellers.

But the Lae boys were up to the task with some solid backline defence and brilliant saves from goalkeeper Ronald Warisan.

The match looked certain to go into the break at nil all, until the 44^th minute when Auckland City’s Clayton Lewis broke the deadlock firing a shot into the nets from a free kick.

In the two friendlies played, the Dwellers beat Suva FC 3-2 followed by a 4-3 win over the Fiji national team.

Gunemba believes the two hard fought wins have formed a vital part of his team’s preparations for the Champions League.

“It’s important to have games against high-level players and teams leading up to any tournament.

“To play against competitive teams such as the Fiji national team and Suva FC can only help boost our preparations,” said Gunemba.

Gunemba added he feels confident his charges are capable of causing upsets in the OFC campaign.

Their first match will see the Dwellers lock horns with Vanuatu’s Malampa Revivors on March 11 at Mangere Centre Park, New Zealand.

"We are taking all games seriously and we will treat the first game as our final.

"Our aim is to reach the semi-final but this will not stop us from achieving our utmost best.

"The side has prepared well and we will give our best shot to make a good start in our campaign,” said Gunemba.